Union of the Dead, Buddakowski, Yellow 5, Lean & Rubberside Down

Have you seen Bands On The Run on VH1? That’s what this show was all about — a bunch of groups more interested in the almighty buck than making good music. I have to admit that I hated this lineup as soon as I saw it. Thank God our good friends from U.O.D. came in last to save the day.

As I walked into Duffy’s, Rubberside Down were finishing their set. I didn’t hear enough of the music to judge it, but the singer looked like a small version of Art from Everclear. I guess they’re getting lucky ‘cause I don’t know enough about the band or the music to talk shit. I’m going to assume that they suck.

Next on the chopping block was Lean. As they were setting up, I was struck by the amount of gear they brought to play a small bar. I truly hoped that they would have the talent to warrant such excess. They didn’t. They sound like Sponge and the androgynous guitarist and bassist have to go. The singer was practically a midget, even in tall creepers, and couldn’t have posed any harder. After about two songs I went to the U-Bar.

I got back to the venue as the next band was about to start. I had put down a few quick beers in hopes that they would be at least tolerable. Yellow 5 describe themselves online as an alternative-metal group. I’d call it alternative crap. I didn’t stick around long. Their set had me running back to the U-Bar in less than ten minutes.

So, here we are a few beers and another three-block run later. I showed up as Buddakowski were about to go on. Buddakowski has to be the lamest name I’ve ever heard. They, too, had too much equipment, but they had a cellist and I figured I’d give them a chance. I didn’t like the music at all; I listened to about a song and a half, and when the tambourine came out, I got the hell out of there.

I was back at the U-Bar in seconds, and this time I was drinking whiskey. I was there for two drinks and a shot, but I had to rush back for local saviors Union of the Dead. This might have been the best set I’ve ever seen them play; the whole bar was moving, and the members of the other bands that had played earlier just looked embarrassed. I bet it must suck to travel all over the states just to be blown away by a local three-piece punk outfit. The crowd got a little out of control by Duffy’s standards, as they normally cater to a much mellower audience, it was great. I hope to see more punk rock under the baseball-playing Jesus, and a lot less of this VH1 alternacrap.

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